Midnight Mania! Roach says GSP wants McGregor for final fight

Welcome to Midnight Mania! Tonight we’ve got Freddie Roach telling us GSP wants McGregor after Bisping, Woodley trying to butt in on the Bisping fight and getting rejected, Stipe Miocic punching out a Bruce Willis double, Rampage afraid of heights, knockouts, podcasts, and much more.

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Freddie Roach, who is involved with GSP’s boxing training for years, reveals the rationale behind the much-criticized Michael Bisping fight- and also drops a bombshell over who the Canadian welterweight wants to fight after Bisping. Transcription via BloodyElbow.com:

“That was the fight that was offered to us, through Dana (White),” Roach said of the Bisping matchup. “(He asked us) ‘do you want him?’ And we all thought about it, and we all said yes.”

“With the last fight, we’re hoping (for it) to be (Conor) McGregor.”

That the Irishman’s name would come up is no surprise, of course. If “Notorious” is still lightweight champion, that fight could also provide GSP with the unprecedented opportunity to become a champion in three weight divisions. Roach is quick to dial back enthusiasm with some qualifiers, though.

“Who wouldn’t want that fight? I mean, it’s a big fight,” Roach said. “We’d have to maybe cut weight, meet in the middle somewhere, but there’s long negotiations (that could) still happen, of course. But, who wouldn’t want that fight?”

Meanwhile, Tyron Woodley wants in on GSP’s fight with Bisping, especially given Bisping’s ultimatum to St. Pierre over the timing of their bout:

Bisping ain’t for it, though

Bisping is interested in one fight right now, and he moves from bluffing to cajoling:

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Bobs and Weaves

Saffediene and Rafael Dos Anjos appear to have come to an agreement on Twitter.

Stipe Miocic punches a Bruce Willis double in the face? All in a day’s work.

Speaking of Miocic, this new poster is an improvement:

Do you ever miss Pride? This video will make you miss Pride.

Tony Ferguson is frustrated with finding a viable opponent. He wouldn’t mind fighting Nate Diaz, for an interim belt, or Khabib again (given some assurances). But neither of those fights seem to be close to fruition, with Diaz apparently set on waiting for McGregor.

Rampage Jackson apparently doesn’t like heights, especially not before facing off with King Mo Lawal ahead of their Bellator 175 main event rematch.

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Slips. Rips. Knockout Clips.

Igor was one of the most fearsome to ever lace up the four-ounce gloves.

Fedor was even better and more terrifying.

Yeah, this looks like pain.

That southpaw lead uppercut is a nice shot from a bladed stance.

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Quick Hits

• Ronda Rousey rumors may last a while. She recently got a nutrition coach, which has some wondering- is she planning another comeback?
• Ever wonder what it’s like to lock up with Brock Lesnar? Those who know, tell.
• This piece by David Bixenspan about Vince McMahon’s clashes with the FBI is fantastic
• Scott Coker says that the Reebok deal has been very good- for Bellator. All the more reason for the UFC to walk away from it ASAP.

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Podcasts and Video

Heavy Hands

Bushido Talk

the Promotional Malpractice Live Chat

From Jack Slack’s latest Patreon post:

Stay woke, Maniacs!